Water has always been an important driving force for economic development in Fryslân. That is why the Friesian Lakes project is working at larger and more attractive sailing areas. The most important sailing areas are now connected to each other all year round, through construction of aqueducts and higher bridges.

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Bridges and locks

Bottlenecks can occur at junctions of water and roads. The Frisian Lakes project has really tackled them seriously. By now, the bridges have been replaced by aqueducts at various locations in order to keep the traffic moving. So no more lengthy waiting times. That makes life easier for both recreational boats and road traffic.

Johan Friso lock in Stavoren

The Johan Friso lock in Stavoren is the most important passageway to the Frisian lakes for recreational shipping. This lock connects the Johan Frisokanaal to the IJsselmeer lake. The current capacity is inadequate, resulting in hectic situations and lengthy waiting times during the busy summer months. Moreover, the lock is on the low quayside when there is a south-westerly wind, which can cause problems and unsafe situations during strong winds. Not only the functional elements were taken into account in the plans for improvement. This project also aimed to fit the lock into a more alluring environment, while also taking account of future increases in the water level, during the construction process. Expectations are that the lock will be ready in 2013.

Driewegsluis and Linthorst Homansluis locks

During the summer months, the Linthorst Homan lock and Drieweg lock will be operated without interruption. This area is a popular mooring place for recreational boats. They can now also stay overnight in the new marina designed for that purpose. It has enough room for approximately 30 boats, with new sanitary facilities, the waste water collection station and camping facilities. This makes a sailing trip between Fryslân and Overijssel even more attractive.

Sailing on

Limitless sailing in Fryslân means open connections to and from the popular water sports areas, access to new sailing routes and a better, and especially safer flow of traffic over the water. This can be achieved by building aqueducts, deepening channels and canals, and raising the bridges. But also by having the bridges operated on a permanent basis. The Province of Fryslân is working hard with a number of municipalities in order to do just that. However, this does not yet apply to all bridges and locks in Fryslân. They still have regular breaks: between 12.00 and 13.00 hours and 16.15 and 17.15 hours. These will be discontinued in the future.

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